Autumn… A time of changing leaves, sweaters, Halloween and craft fairs! I began doing craft fairs 2 years ago and am at the start of my third season on “the circuit” I do around 10 craft fairs a year, mostly in the autumn months. This Saturday (9/30/06) I’ll be at Stoney Brook Wildlife Sanctuary for their annual Fall Festival. Today and tomorrow I’ll be busy taking inventory of my craft fair items, gathering things in one spot in my house and sewing a few last minute things. I have to make sure that this time I remember to bring masking tape. Nothing like being in the middle of a field without a crucial item! Despite the work – and often the cash box disappointment, I do love doing the fairs. I like talking with new people, setting up the booth, making sales and gaining customers. My mailing list is always out so people can sign up for my newsletter.

It’s a tough season for the crafters. We are trying to make a living selling “non-essentials” and there doesn’t seem to be as much money around to buy things. There are lots and lots of “lookers.” People are really cutting back. At the same time, the fees are going up on the tables and booth spaces. This year more than any other, I’ve noticed that there are fewer crafters around. More and more are talking about getting out of the business completely. Not an easy way to make a living! I make more money per hour working at Dream Dinners one night a week to be honest. BUT… There’s nothing quite like a verbal compliment on my work or even better, someone complimenting me with their hard earned money. I hope eventually to be able to do just a few fairs a year and really cut back. But for now, I plan to keep plugging along and watching the weather forecast every weekend! Here’s a list of my upcoming fairs… Go to Beth Sullivan Designs and click on “Upcoming Craft Fairs and Quilt Shows.”